Device for conducting sweat away

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device for conducting sweat away from the forehead of a person, having a flexible plastic body (1) which has at least one adhesive surface and at least one channel for conducting the sweat away. A permanently durable solution is achieved in that the plastic body (1) consists of a first section (2) and a second section (3) arranged at a distance from the first section (2), each section having at least one adhesive surface and at least one channel, and that the first section (2) and the second section (3) are connected to one another via an articulated material bridge (4).

The present invention relates to a device for conducting sweat away from the forehead of a person, comprising a flexible plastic body having at least one adhesive surface and at least one channel for conducting the sweat away.

It is inevitable to secrete sweat when performing sports or other strenuous physical activities. The sweat that appears on the forehead in the process can drain into the eyes of the person, which is very unpleasant.

One possible solution to this problem is headbands made of an absorbent material. However, by their very nature, these have a limited absorption capacity and hinder heat dissipation from the body, giving rise to additional sweat production.

It is also known to glue channel-shaped plastic bodies onto the forehead to drain away sweat and prevent it from entering the eyes. Such a solution is known, for example, from WO 2015/099848 A or WO 2011/046988 A. In a variant thereof, the device consists of a substantially one-piece, strip-like body designed to cover a substantial part of the width of the forehead of the person concerned. This in itself makes it possible to prevent sweat from entering the eyes. However, it has been found that longer-term fixation is not reliably possible, i.e. that it is not possible, for example, to maintain the function reliably during a marathon race.

Another variant provides attaching a separate deflector over each eye of the person in question. This variant has fewer problems with a permanent and secure attachment, but the attachment is significantly more difficult, since most users prefer a symmetrical arrangement for aesthetic reasons, which, however, is difficult to achieve with completely independent drainage bodies. In addition, there is a risk of suboptimal attachment because the drainage of the liquid naturally depends on the inclination of the drain body.

Both variants have the further disadvantage that they are not considered by many potential users for aesthetic reasons.

It is the object of the invention to avoid these disadvantages and to provide a solution that is easy to apply and reliably remains properly adhered for extended periods of time.

It is provided according to the invention that the plastic body consists of a first section and a second section arranged at a distance from the first section, each section having at least one adhesive surface and at least one channel, and that the first section and the second section are connected to each other by an articulated material bridge.

It has been found that one of the main causes of the poor durability of the one-piece solutions is that in the course of ordinary facial expressions, it often happens that skin areas above the eyes shift in a horizontal direction. This can often be seen by the formation of vertical wrinkles above the nose. This exerts a shear stress on the adhesive areas, which impairs adhesion to the skin. Therefore, the skin tension either causes the adhesive bond to loosen or, if a very strong adhesive is used, results in a very unpleasant feeling on the skin.

Due to the articulated connection, the solution according to the invention allows the first section and the second section to change their distance from each other accordingly, so that shear stresses cannot occur to any noticeable extent. This significantly improves durability. It is of course also possible for the first section and the second section to change their height position relative to each other if, for example, only one eyebrow is raised. This can also be compensated for.

At the same time, there is a connection between the two sections that automatically ensures a fitting alignment of the two sections when attached to the face, so that the person only has to ensure an approximately horizontal alignment when attaching the device.

The break in the middle of the face also ensures an appearance that is appealing to most users.

A particularly aesthetically pleasing solution is achieved when the first section and the second section are of arc-shaped design and symmetrical to each other.

A particularly favored embodiment variant of the invention provides that the material bridge is offset from the adjacent adhesive surfaces. This means that the material bridge does not lie in the plane of the adjacent adhesive surfaces and therefore, in the properly applied state of the device, does not rest against the skin of the person, but is arranged at a small distance therefrom. This avoids the risk of obstructions that could occur if a portion of the material bridge becomes entangled with a fold of skin. In this embodiment variant, it is deliberately accepted that sweat from the central region of the forehead may trickle through between the first section and the second section. Since this sweat runs down the person's nose and cannot get into the eyes, it does not pose a problem for most users. An additional advantage also arises from the fact that in this variant it is possible to attach the first section and the second section to the forehead in an arcuate manner, in the manner of eyebrows, in such a way that a smaller part of the channel slopes down towards the center and also drains via the nose. This can also achieve a particularly advantageous appearance.

Particularly simple production can be achieved in such a way that the first section, the second section and the material bridge are made integrally from the same material. Thus, apart from the adhesive layer, the device consists of a single material and can be produced in one injection molding process.

In particular, it is favorable if the material is a biodegradable plastic made from natural raw materials. This minimizes waste issues when devices are lost or discarded outdoors. It has also been found that the risk of skin irritation can be reduced in this way. Particularly favorable in this context is the use of PLA (polylactic acid). In addition to being biodegradable, this material can be dyed in a wide variety of colors and can also be printed with pad printing or inkjet printing, and can be modified with additives to achieve the necessary mechanical properties. The solution according to the invention can be made particularly attractive and for protection in road traffic by fluorescent additives.

It has been found to be further advantageous if the cross-sectional dimensions of the first section and the second section continuously decrease starting from the material bridge. This takes into account the different distribution of the sweat production.

It has been found to be particularly advantageous if the cross-sectional area of the material bridge is between 10% and 40%, preferably between 15% and 30%, of the cross-sectional area of the first section and the second section immediately adjacent to the material bridge. In this way, the articulated connection is formed by the material thinning.

It is particularly advantageous if the material bridge is designed as a meandering belt. In this way, the articulated connection can be designed to be even more flexible than would correspond to the ratio of the cross-sectional areas.

The sweat is derived particularly advantageously in that the first section and the second section have a substantially V-shaped cross-section. The design can also be defined in such a way that it is substantially triangular in cross-section, and that a recess is formed on one side of the triangle. In this way, a compact and robust structure is achieved in contrast to known solutions, which have a substantially L-shaped design.

Another advantage of the V-shaped cross-section is that it prevents material buildup in the center of the component. This saves material, improves the cycle time in the manufacturing process and prevents distortion during curing.

The V-shaped design allows a maximum adhesive surface on the back and maximum weaving area on the front with minimum volume.

Preferably, sealing lips are provided adjacent to the adhesive surfaces. This prevents sweat from reaching the adhesive surfaces and impairing the bond.

In particular, the sealing lips can be designed to project beyond the plane of the adhesive surfaces. This ensures that they fit securely against the skin.

It is also favorable if the sealing lips extend above the adhesive surfaces over their entire length, so that the entire adhesive surface is protected.

In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment variant of the device according to the invention in an oblique view from above and behind;

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment variant of FIG. 1 in an oblique view from above at the front;

FIG. 3 shows the embodiment variant of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in a rear view;

FIG. 4 shows the embodiment variant from FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 in a front view;

FIG. 5 shows the embodiment variant from FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 in a view from above;

FIG. 6 shows a section according to line VI-VI in FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 7 shows a section according to line VII-VII in FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 8 shows a section according to line VIII-VIII in FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment variant of the device according to the invention in a view according to FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 10 shows a detail of a further embodiment variant of the device according to the invention in a view corresponding to FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 11 shows the detail of the further embodiment variant of FIG. 10 in a view according to FIG. 5 .

In the following description of the devices according to the invention, indications of position such as “above” or “in front” refer to the situation with the device mounted as intended on a person standing upright.

The device of FIG. 1 consists of a flexible plastic body 1 with a first section 2 and a second section 3 arranged at a distance from the first section 2, which are connected by an articulated material bridge 4. The flexible plastic body 1 is made in one piece by an injection molding process from PLA or another thermoplastic which has the necessary flexibility. As required, inscriptions may be applied by an appropriate mold insert or may be produced by pad printing.

The articulated material bridge 4 is formed of an arcuate strip that is bent upward.

In the illustration of FIG. 1 , the adhesive surfaces 12, 13 of the first section 2 and the second section 3, to which the device is adhered to the face of a person, are essentially visible.

In FIG. 2 , a view from the front and above shows mainly the channels 22 and 23, which are intended to drain off the run-off sweat laterally. The front sides 32, 33 of the first section 2 and the second section 3 are also partially visible.

FIG. 3 shows mainly the adhesive surfaces 12, 13, but also the sealing lips 14, 15 arranged above them in the position of use.

In FIG. 4 , the front sides 32, 33 of the first section 2 and the second section 3 are visible, in FIG. 5 mainly the channels 22 and 23.

In FIGS. 6 to 8 , the cross-section of the first section 2 is shown at three different locations. It can be seen that the cross-section is approximately triangular in each case, with the adhesive surface 12, the front surface 32 and an imaginary surface 22 a as sides, wherein the groove 22 is provided as a recess in the imaginary surface.

The embodiment variant of FIG. 9 corresponds essentially to that of FIGS. 1 to 8 , with the difference that it is an XXL variant with an extended first section 2 and an extended second section 3.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show a variant in which the articulated material bridge 4 is formed from an arcuate strip that is bent forward. In this way, an opening 7 is formed between the first section 2 and the second section 3 and the skin of the person (indicated by line 6), through which sweat can drain.

The articulated material bridge 4 makes it possible to compensate for length changes that alter the distance of the first section 2 from the second section 3 (double arrow 8) without generating significant deformation forces. However, it is also possible to accommodate a shear movement corresponding to arrows 9.

Adhesion to the skin may be accomplished by means of an adhesive tape not shown here that is attached to the adhesive surfaces 12, 13, such as is commonly available under the name “Walker Ultra Hair System Tape”.

However, it is also possible to use a dermatologically safe liquid adhesive, such as “Walker Ultra Hold”.

The present invention makes it possible to easily and safely keep the eyes of a person who perspires heavily free of sweat. 

1. A device for conducting sweat away from the forehead of a person, comprising a flexible plastic body which has at least one adhesive surface and at least one channel for conducting the sweat away, characterized in that the plastic body consists of a first section and a second section arranged at a distance from the first section, each section having at least one adhesive surface and at least one channel, and in that the first section and the second section are connected to each other via an articulated material bridge.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first section and the second section are of arc-shaped design and symmetrical to each other.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the material bridge is offset with respect to the adjacent adhesive surfaces.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first section, the second section and the material bridge are made integrally from the same material.
 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the material of the first section, the second section and the material bridge is a biodegradable plastic.
 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional dimensions of the first section and the second section continuously decrease starting from the material bridge.
 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of the material bridge is between 10% and 40%, of the cross-sectional area of the first section and the second section immediately adjacent to the material bridge.
 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the material bridge is designed as a meandering belt.
 9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first section and the second section have a substantially V-shaped cross-section.
 10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first section and the second section of the device are substantially triangular in cross-section, and in that a recess is formed on one side of the triangle.
 11. The device according to claim 1, wherein sealing lips are provided adjacent to the adhesive surfaces.
 12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the sealing lips are designed to project beyond the plane of the adhesive surfaces.
 13. The device according to claim 11, wherein the sealing lips extend above the adhesive surfaces over their entire length.
 14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the material bridge comprises a fluorescent additive.
 15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of the material bridge is between 15% and 30% of the cross-sectional area of the first section and the second section immediately adjacent to the material bridge. 